Reacting to two thumping losses in their first two games the Demons blooded five more VFL debutants against the unbeaten Maroons, and once again while their forwards put up a reasonable score they were unable to stop the opposition booting a big score. At least for the first time in three weeks they'd kept the opposition to under 150 points, but that was no help when their attack failed. Their cause wasn't helped by losing Baggott and Archibald form the selected side with flu, and La Fontaine who was unable to get leave to play. Tjeu were replaced by Ferguson, Franklin and Bush.

Despite their greatly weakened team Melbourne stuck with their more fancied opponents for three quarters before once again falling away in the final term. They had less firepower in attack with the enforced absences of Norm Smith and Ron Baggott, while the absence of La Fontaine further hurt them. Given the circumstances it was creditable to get as close as they did. Conditions helped, with Fitzroy unable to use their pace advantage on a heavy ground.